What is FISAT?

FISAT, the German Association for Rope Access, is a professional organization of employers and employees oriented to techniques and standards. FISAT members work with rope-assisted access and positioning techniques to conduct various tasks at great heights and depths. For this, they use personal safety equipment, called PSA, to protect them against falls.

The members of our association, however, not only use rope-assisted and climbing techniques, but also develop, produce, and distribute new fall protection and positioning systems for various clients, including: municipalities, governments, wind energy installation builders and operators, industrial installation builders and operators, power plant operators, construction industry, trades, forestry, advertising agencies, event managers, civil engineering, offshore companies or mining companies etc.

FISAT – the interest group

For such a dynamic and young sector as rope-assisted and secured work and rescue techniques, a strong community of like-minded people is essential. Our continuous work with various agencies and organs has secured this profession great acceptance in many different business areas. In particular, the standardization of work and safety guidelines promoted by FISAT has for more than 15 years ensured that agencies, trade associations, and clients recognize these techniques as safe. Our publications and participation in trade fairs and events contribute to an increasing awareness of high-altitude work in the public arena. Our dedicated members are in constant contact with each other and exchange skilled knowledge both within and beyond the association to develop optimal cooperation possibilities.

FISAT – a contact with wide appeal

Our association, as a member in decision-making bodies, has an essential impact on developments in the sector of rope-assisted work and rescue. This includes our collaboration with the working group „Rope-assisted Access and Positioning Techniques" of the Professional Construction Organization. For the construction industry trade association and the trade association for land and mining work, as well as for numerous other institutions and agencies, FISAT serves as an important contact for questions concerning safety in rope-assisted work. The work and safety guidelines defined by FISAT and its training and certification rules are considered authoritative and are internationally recognized.

FISAT is Professional Rope Access – worldwide

Whether in Berlin, London, New York, Dubai or Brisbane – rope access technicians are now used around the world. As the globalization of markets progresses, international contacts become ever more important. In reaction to current developments, standards have already been formulated which may well soon be valid for the entire world (EN, ISO 9000 certification, etc.). FISAT maintains the necessary contacts for its members to remain informed of current trends and for their interests to be represented internationally.

FISAT – a source of information

FISAT elaborates and updates examination guidelines adapted to those of other European countries. Our work and safety guidelines for the various professional sectors are the only rulebooks which take into account all areas of rope-assisted activities and their standards.Our drafts and commentaries have been and continue to be adopted by accident insurance providers in their regulations. Our positions on rulebooks are requested and acted upon.

FISAT – the guaranteed for safety

FISAT members are at all times informed about current norms and standards and accident prevention rules. They follow the rules of their association and thus operate according to the highest safety standards, which, in wide-ranging activities, are permanently extended and improved. So that our members will experience no disadvantages on the European market, we examine and comment on exaggerated and/or impractical safety rules and demands. FISAT – safety at every height.

FISAT – training and further education

The sector of rope-assisted work and rescue techniques is developing incredibly quickly. Until 1997, there was no recognized or defined training program. FISAT put an end to this problematic situation and elaborated training and certification guidelines for all areas of this field. In cooperation with committees, agencies, and organizations, they are constantly coordinated and revised. FISAT not only certifies training centers and training companies that guarantee the high standard of the guidelines in their training programs, but also conducts the examinations at the end of each training course. In 2013, users received diplomas in 253 certification procedures and 337 FISAT re-assessments. Whoever applies FISAT rules operates on the highest safety level.